HOT TUB TIPS

5 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HOT TUB SPARKLING CLEAN

Hot tubs are great fun, but if you don’t keep them clean, the murky water, buildup, or other undesirable problems can turn your investment into an eyesore!

Taking the necessary steps to keep your hot tub clean ensures that you enjoy it season after season, and that you’re proud to share it with guests and family members. Keep your spa squeaky clean with these tips!

Tips for Keeping Your Hot Tub In Tip-Top Shape

1. Clean or Replace Your Filter

Hot tub filters can be cleaned and reused, and depending on the climate and how often you use your spa, the filter will need fairly regular cleaning. If you use your hot tub often, it’s a good rule of thumb to clean the filter once every two weeks or so.

Cleaning can be done with special sprays, devices like filter cleaning wands, or by submerging the filter in a bucket of water mixed with a filter cleaning solution.

After 10 or 15 cleanings, however, the fibers stretch apart, and it’s time for a replacement. A worn out filter won’t catch contaminants, and a clogged filter won’t allow water through – which creates unnecessary stress on the other systems.

Maintain your filter to keep your water safe and clean!

2. Chemical Balance

Keeping good chemical balance is the most important part of maintaining a hot tub. Use test strips regularly to ensure the appropriate amount of chemicals in your water, and adjust your hot tub pH and sanitizer levels accordingly.

You’ll want to add chemicals one at a time, and measure carefully. Follow the instructions on your products of choice to the letter – there’s no room for haphazard use here! Our expert staff can help you learn about your options, and further explain the benefits of each. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

3. Flush Your Lines

Over time, your lines will develop biofilm, a buildup of bacteria that escapes your hot tub chemicals in the plumbing. This can happen even if your chemical balance is just right.

You can add a line flush product to your hot tub water, specially formulated to breakdown biofilm and fight against bacteria. Add this product to your water and let it circulate for 20 to 30 minutes. If you haven’t been previously flushing your lines, you may want to let it circulate through your system for an hour or two.

4. Change The Water

Even with chemicals and filters, you’ll need to change your water from time to time. As a general rule, you should be changing your water – draining and refilling – once every three months. If you have multiple people using it, or just at a high frequency, it only follows that you should change the water more often!

Pay attention for cloudy water, any scaly or slimy buildup, or more chemicals than usual to maintain pH balance. All of these are signs that it’s likely time to change the water.

5. Drain and Wipe

When you have your hot tub drained, take a moment to wipe down the inside. Use a solution of water and diluted bleach or diluted white vinegar as your cleaning agent – and be sure to avoid any abrasive chemical cleaners.

Use a soft cloth or sponge (again, nothing abrasive!) and gently wipe down the the surfaces in your hot tub when you have it drained. This will help ensure there’s no remaining bacteria or contaminants when you’re refilled and ready for a soak!

A hot tub is a wonderful way to relax, but it’s also an investment.

Not only will keeping your spa clean prolong its life and maximize your enjoyment, it will also keep you and your guests safe from the bacteria that can develop in warm water.

Follow these tips and keep your hot tub (and the water in it) sparkling clean. For more advice, help with filter and chemical selection, and all things hot tubs, stop by Emerald Spas and Billiards to talk with our fantastic staff!